Rookie Roos Ruthlessly Ravage Samoa: Storm Star Sidelined

Australia Crushes Samoa in World Cup Final Rematch

In a dominant performance, the Australian Kangaroos defeated Samoa 38-12 in their World Cup final rematch in Townsville. The match showcased the talent of young debutants from both teams, with Sualauvi Faalogo of Samoa standing out as a star of the future.

A Red-Hot Start for the Kangaroos

Australia got off to a blistering start, scoring four tries within the opening 15 minutes of the game. Payne Haas redeemed himself after an early mistake by scoring the first try in the fifth minute. James Tedesco and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui followed suit with tries of their own, showcasing the Kangaroos‘ attacking prowess. Cameron Murray then crossed out wide in the 15th minute, extending their lead even further.

Although Samoa eventually halted the Australian onslaught, the Kangaroos had already established a commanding lead. Luciano Leilua’s smart grubber for Murray Taulagi enabled Samoa to finally get on the scoreboard, but Australia maintained their dominance throughout the game.

Highlights and Controversial Bunker Decisions

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow extended Australia’s lead just before halftime with an 80-meter dash to the try line. However, the Bunker controversially denied Sualauvi Faalogo a sensational chip-and-chase try, citing a knock-on in the lead-up.

In the second half, Tabuai-Fidow showcased his speed once again with a second try, solidifying his standout performance in the match. Faalogo, the young Samoan fullback, never lost his composure and set up Leilua for a try in the 73rd minute, demonstrating his potential as a player to watch in the future.

Kangaroos Coach Meninga Praises Team Effort

Impressed by his team’s strong start, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga commended the efforts of his players, particularly the performances of Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui upfront, as well as the pivotal role played by the team’s spine consisting of James Tedesco, Ben Hunt, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Cameron Munster.

Meninga also highlighted the contributions of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs in the centres, noting their ability to seize opportunities and create excitement on the field.

A Promising Future for Samoan Rugby League

While Samoa was unable to match the Kangaroos‘ dominant display, coach Ben Gardiner expressed his enthusiasm for the performance of Sualauvi Faalogo, a 20-year-old debutant who displayed a fearless attitude and showcased his potential as a rising star in Samoan rugby league. Gardiner emphasized the importance of backing oneself and representing the country with pride.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Kangaroos?

With this comprehensive victory, the Australian Kangaroos have sent a clear message to the international rugby league community that they are still a formidable force. They will undoubtedly draw confidence from this performance as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage.

As for Samoa, this match serves as a learning experience for their young and talented squad. The development of players like Sualauvi Faalogo will be crucial in building a strong foundation for Samoan rugby league in the coming years.

Overall, the World Cup final rematch highlighted the depth and talent of both teams, providing an exciting glimpse into the future of international rugby league.